Within the narrative of Transformers: The Last Knight, the figure known as the English Knight is not a singular character but rather part of a collective. This group is formally designated as the Knights of Iacon, also referred to as the Guardian Knights. They are an ancient order of Cybertronian knights whose history on Earth is deeply entwined with the legends of Camelot and King Arthur.

The background of these knights begins long before the medieval era. They were originally creations of a powerful being named Quintessa, whom they eventually came to view as a deceiver. In a significant act of rebellion, the twelve knights stole Quintessas control staff and fled into space, seeking worthy allies on other worlds. By the fifth century, their ship had landed on Earth. In the year 484 A.D., they made contact with the human wizard Merlin, who promised to keep their existence secret. When Merlin beseeched their aid against an invasion of Saxons, the knights judged humanity worthy, judging the court of Camelot as proof. Their leader, Stormreign, granted Merlin the stolen staff, and the knights demonstrated their power by combining into a colossal, fire-breathing dragon named Dragonstorm, which easily turned the tide of battle for King Arthurs forces.

The personality of the Knights of Iacon is defined by a deep-seated sense of honor and a commitment to protecting life. They care profoundly for the safety of both Earth and mankind, having sworn an oath never to destroy a planet that harbors life. This code of honor is what initially led them to betray Quintessa after discovering her plan to drain the energy from one planet to restore another. However, their sense of duty can make them severe and unyielding. When Optimus Prime arrives on their ship while under Quintessas mind control, the knights do not initially show him mercy. They furiously attack him, declaring that his service to the great deceiver warrants death, and they seem indifferent to the fact that his betrayal was not willful. Their primary motivation throughout the story is to safeguard Quintessas staff and prevent it from falling into the wrong hands, remaining in hibernation in their submerged ship for centuries to fulfill this duty.

Within the storys modern-day setting, the knights serve as a legendary goal and a formidable obstacle. Cade Yeager and Vivian Wembley must seek them out aboard their hidden vessel to retrieve the staff that is key to saving the world. Upon being awakened, the knights initially perceive the intruders and the corrupted Optimus Prime as threats. Their role in the narrative shifts dramatically when Cade Yeager, attempting to stop them from executing Optimus, finds his talisman transforming into the legendary sword Excalibur. By stopping a knights blade with this sword, Yeager is recognized by the order as the prophesied Last Knight. This revelation transforms the knights from antagonists into powerful allies.

Key relationships define their actions. Their most significant relationship is with Quintessa, their former master whom they now consider the ultimate deceiver. Their rebellion against her forms the core of their ancient history. Their relationship with Optimus Prime is initially hostile, as they see him as a pawn of their enemy, but they later accept him as an ally once the truth is revealed. Their bond with Cade Yeager is central, as his identification as the Last Knight compels them to offer their allegiance and join the final battle against Quintessas forces.

In terms of development, the knights have remained largely static over centuries, defined by their singular mission to protect the staff. Their primary arc within the film is a shift in allegiance from isolation to active participation. They begin as dormant guardians, become hostile judges, and finally transform into active warriors who accept a new leader in the Last Knight, joining the Autobots to stop Cybertron from colliding with Earth.

The notable abilities of the Knights of Iacon are formidable. Individually, they are ancient and powerful Cybertronian warriors, each possessing unique, medieval-inspired robotic forms wielding weapons such as swords and shields. Their most spectacular power is the ability to combine into a single, massive gestalt entity known as Dragonstorm. In this form, they appear as a traditional European dragon capable of flight and immense destructive power, including breathing fire. This combined form represents the full might of the order and is deployed during the climactic battle against Quintessas forces.